| Music |  |
The Pettman Junior Academy of Music offers talented young musicians who
are seriously considering studying music at University, high quality tuition
in performance
in combination
with frequent performance opportunities, chamber music lessons, masterclasses and lectures. This programme is aimed at students
from all over New Zealand and international students who wish to also
undertake English language studies prior to enrolling in a degree programme.
Students who are accepted into the Academy will have demonstrated their talent
at an early age, along with outstanding ability to work with focus and purpose.
The Pettman Junior Academy of Music is supported through the generous assistance of Professor Barrie Pettman. Professor Pettman, a very successful editor, is a former lecturer in industrial relations at Hull University, UK, and has a particular interest in assisting young talented musicians.
The Junior Academy meets for 24 weeks between late February and mid-October. All classes take place at the University of Canterbury School of Music performance rooms.
The Academy accepts students on the basis of a performance audition that is heard by a panel of Academy tutors. Acceptance is based on artistic and technical merit, to a maximum of 25 available places. Applicants are asked to prepare two contrasting pieces. The length of the programme should be between 10–15 minutes. Students who live outside Christchurch may send a DVD.
The University's School of Music provides students with a stimulating study environment, including a wide range of performance opportunities throughout the year. A separate house on campus is dedicated to performance study providing opportunity for interaction with other performers. The School of Music offers innovative degree programmes such as performance voice under Professor Dame Malvina Major, sonic art and digital music.
The key strength of the School is its staff. Performance tutors and lecturers are also leading practitioners in their fields. For example, Edith Salzmann and Jan Tawroszewicz are members of the critically acclaimed Canterbury Trio and sought-after soloists in their own right; Dame Malvina Major is a noted New Zealand - and indeed international - operatic soprano. The School is also strong in the field of historical performance: Edith Salzmann (baroque cello), Wolfgang Kraemer (recorders) and Jonathan Le Cocq are the nucleus of the ensemble Il Raccolto. Other staff members are leading composers (eg, Gao Ping), researchers, recording artists and performers.
The Pettman Junior Academy is proud to be in collaboration with Chamber New Zealand again this year. The relationship provides the students with extended musical opportunities and insightful and educational masterclasses given by touring international and national artists.
Chamber Music New Zealand is this country's largest presenter of top quality chamber music concerts throughout New Zealand. Their activities are divided into three strands: the Concert Season, which showcases top international artists; the Associate Societies programme, which focuses on New Zealand performers; and the New Zealand Community Trust Chamber Music Contest, which fosters the musical stars of the future.
Binding these strands together is a strong commitment to New Zealand music and musicians that has led to many specially commissioned works from NewZealand composers and the promotion of New Zealand performers.
We are pleased to support the excellent programme offered by The Pettman Junior Academy of Music by collaborating on a series of masterclasses and seminars given by visiting international ensembles. These opportunities extend the chance for students to engage with some of the finest musicians in the world.
Euan Murdoch, Chief Executive,
Chamber Music New Zealand